Mayweather fails to appear in court

On the day it was announced he would kick off a promotional tour June 28 in New York for his return to boxing, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was a no-show in a Las Vegas courtroom Friday for a deposition in the defamation lawsuit that rival boxer Manny Pacquiao filed against him.

Pacquiao is suing Mayweather for comments he made claiming that Pacquiao, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, has used steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs during his run from featherweight to welterweight champion over the past four years. Pacquiao filed the suit in December 2009.

Pacquiao has denied numerous times that he ever has used steroids or PEDs.

Pacquiao's attorney, Daniel Petrocelli, said Friday: "Mr. Mayweather maliciously leveled false accusations about Mr. Pacquiao. We are anxious to examine him under oath about those statements. He is just dodging his deposition because he is afraid to testify, but he has no right to defy a court order."

Mayweather tried on Thursday to delay the deposition in Las Vegas federal court. But federal magistrate Judge Robert Johnston denied his request and ordered Mayweather to appear for the deposition on Friday.

Mayweather's attorney, Mark Tratos, tried to appeal Johnston's ruling and told Pacquiao's lawyers that neither he nor Mayweather were available Friday morning.

"We tried to extend every courtesy we could," Tratos told The Associated Press.

Petrocelli begged to differ.

"In our view, he's in contempt of court," Petrocelli said. "Filing an appeal does not relieve you of your obligation to appear. The judge's order remains valid, and he defied the judge's order."

After Mayweather failed to show Friday, Petrocelli said he planned to file a motion for a default judgment. Under that circumstance, the court could award Pacquiao whatever it deems appropriate, and Mayweather would be obligated to pay those damages.

"If you fail to show up, you're basically saying you have no defense," Petrocelli said.

Pacquiao's civil suit is one of several legal battles in which Mayweather is engaged. He also is involved in three felony assault cases, one involving his ex-girlfriend and two involving security at his home in a gated community at Southern Highlands.

Mayweather (41-0, 25 knockouts) announced last week that he is returning to the ring Sept. 17 to face Victor Ortiz. He last fought May 1, 2010, when he won a 12-round decision over Shane Mosley.

Tratos said his client needs to concentrate on training for Ortiz and he planned to file with the court on Monday a copy of Mayweather's training regimen to show why it can't be interrupted.

Tratos said he expected a deposition would take about seven hours but would require time for Mayweather to prepare.

"We're more than happy to produce him after the fight," Tratos said. "It's important for him to be in tip-top shape."

Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KOs), who beat Mosley on May 7, also is scheduled to fight later this year. He will meet Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.